According to the latest Global Burden of Disease 2021 Report, India contributes to 46 per cent of global asthma deaths.
In a recent report, Dr Salvi showed that more than 90 per cent of asthmatics in India do not use inhaled corticosteroids.
Advertisement“This is likely to be the main reason why India contributes to 46 per cent of global asthma deaths,” Dr Salvi, also a Member of the Scientific Committee of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) that formulates guidelines for asthma diagnosis, management and prevention told The Indians Express.
However, asthma remains very poorly diagnosed in India because of lack of use of Spirometry,” Dr Salvi said.
The safest, fastest and most effective way to treat asthma is by inhaled medications, stressed Dr Salvi.
An estimated 2,00,000 people die every year due to asthma in India. “If diagnosed early and treated properly, no asthmatic should die because we now have treatments that are so effective and safe that one can lead an almost normal life,” Dr Sundeep Salvi, Pune-based Director of Pulmocare Research and Education (PURE) Foundation and the President of the Indian Chest Society said ahead of the World Asthma Day (May 7).
According to the latest Global Burden of Disease 2021 Report, India contributes to 46 per cent of global asthma deaths. This is up from 43 per cent from the 2019 report.
In a recent report, Dr Salvi showed that more than 90 per cent of asthmatics in India do not use inhaled corticosteroids. Moreover, they take only bronchodilator drugs either orally or by the inhalation route, which cause more suffering and deaths.
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“This is likely to be the main reason why India contributes to 46 per cent of global asthma deaths,” Dr Salvi, also a Member of the Scientific Committee of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) that formulates guidelines for asthma diagnosis, management and prevention told The Indians Express.
Why asthma is poorly diagnosed
Asthma is a genetic disease that runs in families, but is also very strongly triggered by air pollution. It is often associated with allergic rhinitis (runny nose and sneezing), allergic rash or eczema and migraines.
Although breathlessness is a common symptom, cough (both dry, irritating as well as productive of phlegm), chest tightness and wheeze (musical sound coming from the chest) are other common symptoms. Asthmatics often complain of bouts of cough, which is more common at night that keeps them awake and shortness of breath on exertion.
“Diagnosis is made by taking a good history from the patient and the use of a tool called Spirometry, that often confirms the diagnosis of asthma. Children are more commonly affected, and in fact, 50 per cent of asthmatics are children. However, asthma remains very poorly diagnosed in India because of lack of use of Spirometry,” Dr Salvi said.
Inhaled medications is the safest way to treat asthma
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The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Study which was conducted in 20,084 children aged 6-7 years, 25,887 children aged 13-14 years and 81,296 parents from across nine different locations in India, showed that asthma was under-diagnosed in 82 per cent, and even among those who had severe asthma, 70 per cent remained undiagnosed.
“The most effective and safe treatment for asthma is inhaled corticosteroids with or without a bronchodilator given either by a dry powder inhaler or a pressurized metered dose inhaler. These medications prevent death and reduce symptoms, yet in the GAN study only 5 per cent of children and 10 per cent of adults with asthma were using these medications,” Dr Salvi pointed out. The safest, fastest and most effective way to treat asthma is by inhaled medications, stressed Dr Salvi.
Debunking myths important
There are several myths and misbeliefs associated with asthma, that contribute to poor asthma care, such as: asthma is a contagious disease and can spread from one person to another, once you are diagnosed with asthma you are doomed for life, inhaled medications are very powerful and should be completely avoided, you can get addicted to inhalers, and there is no medication that can give you a normal life.
“We must ensure that all asthmatics in India should get an early and correct diagnosis and take the right medication regularly,” Dr Salvi said and explained that if your eyes develop a number, you need to wear glasses, which not only restores eyesight but also prevents your eyes from getting an increased number. “In the same way, if you develop asthma, you need to take your inhaled medications regularly, they are necessary to keep your lungs healthy and will protect your lungs from getting more damaged,” he appealed.
